Friday, November 21, 2008

Quick Update

We got home from the clinic this afternoon around 2:00.  It was a long day and we are all exhausted. When we got there this morning she was not running a fever.  Her heart rate was high, which it's never been so they wanted to see what was going on with that. They gave her IV fluids because they thought it could have been from dehydration (I felt pretty confident that it was that b/c she hadn't eaten or drank hardly anything yesterday).  They gave her the fluids and her heart rate came back to normal.  That was an easy fix and we were grateful that they got that taken care of quickly.

They decided not to do her spinal tap chemo today since we are still waiting on the results from her blood culture.  They need to wait to see if it's an infection in her blood, and if it would be that they would have to take care of that first before getting her spinal chemo.  They aren't thinking it is that (they told us that fevers usually end up being a viral thing), but they always have to be very careful in not missing anything so they are going to continue to watch the blood and treat her with antibiotics.  We will be going back to the hospital tomorrow at 8a.m. for her to have her second dose of antibiotics, just to cover her until we know for sure that it isn't a blood infection.  If nothing grows from the culture, then she will have her spinal chemo this Monday.
  
She's been through a lot these last two days and we will again be at the hospital Saturday and Monday so please pray for God to fill us all with His peace as we get through these next few days.  Please pray that nothing grows in the blood culture and for no returning fever.  She has also been having stomach pain so please pray that would subside.  She is having some issues with pain where she pees (I'll spare you the details) and she was given a medication today to clear this issue up, but as of now it hasn't kicked in and she's pretty uncomfortable and miserable.  Please pray that would be cleared up by tomorrow.  Lastly, we all need a good nights sleep, so please pray for a really good nights rest for all of us....  

Grandmom and Granpop will be here by tomorrow evening so we all have that to look forward to.  Pray for an extra special week for the kids as they get to have two of their favorite people here for a while.  We will spend Thanksgiving at my mom and stepdads house so we are looking forward to getting out of the house some and being with our families.  Then, the day after Thanksgiving, we are going to be getting our Christmas decorations out and that's always an exciting day for us.  We will be decorating our tree while listening to Amy Grants Christmas Soundtrack (that was Jim's favorite as a kid so it has become a tradition for us while Christmas decorating :) and drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows.  The kids also want to make Christmas cookies this week so we will be sure to do that one day.  We will be sure to post some pictures this week of the kids doing some of these activities. 

One more thing.... tell us who you are... Whether we know you or not, let us know that you're reading and tell us something about you and your family.  And if you have a special prayer request, let us know.  Yes, we are praying a lot (continually) for our Abbey and family as we go through this, but we also continue to pray for many other needs and want to know yours.  We look forward to learning things about you all.  Have a great weekend!    

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

you and your family are amazing!!! i heard about your situation from virginia wears facebook page, she and i went to to cvca and college together - i was a few years behind the two of you - i graduated in 1998- you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers often - i have a little girl that is almost three and has had some medical issues and i know a little bit of what you are going through - your faith and love for your daughter and family is amazing!!! i love that you and your husband have sought God in this whole situation, and found a way to praise Him through all things, even when it was hard!

love- ali (shook)sarvabui

Anonymous said...

My daughter kennedy danced with Abbey at center stage. I have afound a renewed faith after reading of yours. My husband is away in Florida this week with his father who is losing the battle to Melanoma. Please pray for him as they are not sure if he will make it thru the night. Abbey and your family is always in our thoughts.

carrie syllaba

Anonymous said...

I found your blog in a round-about way from a friend's blog. My husband is a United Methodist pastor and we have been praying for Abbey regularly since I read your blog the first time (right after you had left the hospital). I think of your family regularly and, even though we don't know each other, I wish the best things for all of you. Abbey is a brave girl. Peace of Christ to all of you.

Rachel said...

i think of you and check your blog often. abby is in my prayers! God is obviously giving you strength and courage as you walk through this difficult time. thanks for keeping us updated.

Anonymous said...

Jim and Shelley:
Please know that I have been following your blog since we got the news about Abbey at PMCA. I have been praying for you regularly. The details on the blog help me to pray specifically.
Jim, tell your parents that Jerry and I have been praying for the Lord to uphold them, too. You guys have a beautiful family and a wonderful testimony. May God continue to bless you, and may He rid Abbey of all the cancer.
~Carlotta Carradice

Jessie said...

Hi Jim and Shelley.
Thank you for taking the time to keep this updated well and for being so open about how things are going. I went to Phil-Mont with Jim from K-12. My husband Trey and I are praying for you guys.

-Jessie Tress Hulsey

Anonymous said...

We don't know each other, but Abbey and your whole family have been in our prayers. I found out about your blog through a college friend of Alicia's. I have my own Abby (who is 2) and my own 3-year-old (Ian), so I've felt a burden to pray for you guys. My son Ian asks about "Abbey-who-is-sick" and if we can pray for her. We are so encouraged by your faith and by how God is answering prayers in your lives. What a great God we serve!

In Christ,
Jessica, Aaron, Ian and Abby Kaiser

Amber said...

I continue to pray for restored health for Abbey and encouragement and strength for you. I think my friend, Beth Snyder pointed me to your blog, and I'm not sure how she found out about Abbey - through a friend, I think. My husband,Larry, and I have a 3 year old daughter, Grace, and one on the way (due June 10th).

You will continue to be in my prayers.
Amber Peters

Anonymous said...

We continue to read your blog regularly and lift your family and sweet Abbey up in prayer daily! Your faith has been so encouraging to me and it has been so amazing to watch God use you and your family through this tough time. Your words have been particularly uplifting to me as we have faced some medical issues of our own with our daughter Ella this past fall. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. God bless!!!!
Sarah Leonard-Osthaus

Anonymous said...

we got to your blog through my sister, carin...one email and I'm hooked! I continue to read, get updated and share w/ our family and small groups and our church [church of the hills]...we're praying for you and will remain committed to your blog!

Anonymous said...

Hello! I coach with Jeff at Taylor University and we've been watching for updates and praying every night for Abbey and your family. Please know that the TUVB family is praying for you and will continue to do so! Our son Jack is also 3 and every night he prays for Abbey. Thank you for sharing such specific requests. We'll continue to lift you up in prayer.
Brittany Smith

virginia said...

Our family has a child living with a life threatening disease. It will amaze you what your daughter will walk through and endure with calm and grace through the years. God is so awesome and will give you strength day to day.Of course,you both already know that first hand!I "met" your family through my daughter-in-law's blog. (Jessie Tress Hulsey)We cry,pray and celebrate your little victories with you.Please continue to share--I am sure it is work but you guys are such a blessing.Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Abbey,
Our family is praying for you and your family. We hope you are feeling good and we're praying for God to give you alot of strength. We are also praying that the blood results will be free and clear of anything and that the antibiotics are right now healing your little body. We are with you A.L.L the way honey, as our precious little girl Leah has A.L.L too (diagnosed at Rainbows on September 26,2008).....Even though we haven't seen you in a while, we still think of you and pray every day for you and your family. Stay strong sweetheart! God is with you and our little Leah "A.L.L.W.A.Y.S"...

Unknown said...

TO LEAH'S FAMILY--I just noticed that you commented and wanted to let you know we've been praying for your family and sweet little girl as well.
Steve & Amy Ross

Andy Gammons said...

It was encouraging for me to simply read the comments and see how many people God has providentially put around you. This is a glimpse of heaven. When we all get there, people will say to you, "Jesus Christ drew me to himself through reading your blog and hearing about how you persevered."

Last night at dinner with Amanda's family we talked about you guys again. I gave Allison, Amanda's sister-in-law, my bracelet. She has been praying for you. I'm going to wear Amanda's. My continuous prayer for you is that God might glorify himself in your situation. This is a prayer that I know He will answer.

Luke 11:5-13

Anonymous said...

Hello,my name is Anna Jordan and I heard about your family through Alicia Larson and Amy Lahr's facebook page. I am John and Amy's cousin. My husband and I have a 2 yr old little girl named Miles. I am so inspired and amazed at the love and faith your family has in this time. I know that God is watching and guiding you all, and that He never gives us more than we can endure. I truly believe that the most you can do for a person is to pray for them, and our family keeps yours in our prayers throughout the day.

Anonymous said...

Hi Shelly, I'm Meredith and I'm a good friend of Kris and BJ's. I've been following your blog since BJ mentioned Abbey and her incredible journey. You, your family and your blog has been the most amazing testimony, and I've grown closer to my God just from following it. My husband Joe and I keep you all in our prayers daily. Thank you for the faith that you've shown, you will never know how much you've inspired me.

Anonymous said...

Jim and Shelley,

We really appreciate your blog. We have gotten to know so much about the Colbert family. You are amazing! We are continuing to pray for your strength and peace and for Abbey to be 100% free of cancer. I frequently find myself praying for her as a strong young lady, a mother and grandmother living a long and healthy life. The "Praying for Abbey" orange bracelet is a constant reminder to pray, pray, pray. It was great to see you in Church yesterday. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! God Bless all of you!
Much love,
Bill & Heidi Watson

Anonymous said...

I think we feel like we know you better than we actually do b/c of how open and honest you are in your blogs:) We so appreciate your sharing your story with us! We are praying for you every day. Our son turns 3 this week also and includes Abbey in his every prayer:) We love you all very much and can't wait until this journey is just a memory for you! God is so faithful.

Todd, Angela and Zeke

Anonymous said...

I found your blog from a friend's blog, and my family and I keep Abbey and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Ashley said...

I go to Covenant in Lakeland, Fl and heard of you from John and Alicia. I am so encouraged by your trust and faith in God. What a miracle all this has been so far. We will continue to pray for your family. I am also a Labor and Delivery nurse and am so glad you decided to continue to breast feed and give some milk to your daughter. I can't wait to tell the others at work! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Ashley Valenti and family

Anonymous said...

what an incredible family you are to be thinking of others during this time! What an amazing witness you are to this cyber world. May God use your testimony to reach general bloggers that need your strength and faith! I am a friend of a friend who has been praying and passing the updates on to my friends! Happy Thanksgiving, God bless!

Anonymous said...

Jim and Shelley (and Jacob, Abbey and Micah!),

We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are all praying daily for Abbey and the rest of you guys! There are a lot of families with 3 year olds on here that feel such a connection to you! Gabe is also 3 and prays for Abbey everyday. He knows that Jesus will heal her! Thanks again for sharing this journey with all of us. Love and prayers:Keith, Beka, Gabe and Max

Laurel Greer said...

We are praying Shelley! I wear the reminder bracelet everyday and think and pray for you so often. Thank you for continually reminding us where to Look.

Please pray for Peter as he returned from a week in Haiti (and Congo and some other places before that)...with a parasite that landed us in the ER on Sat. He's doing fine, but it was a bad one. Also, our paperwork is in Rwanda for our adoption! :) Please pray for our baby, Myles!

LOVE YOU!

marz said...

Hi,
I have followed your blog since Abbey was first diagnosed (the link was forwarded to us) and I have prayed for her. Last week our friends' daughter Natalie was diagnosed with Leukemia. My heart breaks for her. I am grateful that in seeing your journey I know that God will work for her just as he has for Abbey, but I know, from reading your blog, just how hard this will be day to day for them also. Please pray for Natalie, she is 7 years old.

Anonymous said...

My name is Rachel Obafemi and I live in Chicago. I heard about your family within hours of her diagnosis and have been praying and weeping before the throne ever since. I know Sheila Plesha from your church. I have a list of about 15 people that I update on Abbey for continued prayer. The night Sheila and I found out what Abbey was diagnosis with, we didn't even have the strength to pray, we just sobbed on the phone together. I know there are so many interceding on your behalf to the Father so be comforted in knowing that when you are tired and don't have the strength to pray, Abbey and your family are covered. We are honored to pray for your sweet little girl and God's continued mercy and peace for your family.
I was thinking a lot about your comments about the medication that you have to be so careful of to give her with gloves on and how challenging it must be to keep into perspective that this harmful medication is needed. I started thinking about how the Word of God is like that too, it can be harmful and yet bring peace, it can cut like a knife or sword, but also give comfort. Your faithfulness in this situation is counted as righteousness. I wept when Sheila read me your first email after finding out Abbey was sick. Again, we wept and wept and praised God because of the faith that you have in HIM. You have surrendered your little girl to Him and she will never be in better hands. By the grace and mercy of the living God who gives life to all, may your little Abbey be healed completely from this illness and she live out her life continuing to glorify God as you are now.
God bless you. My family and friends will continue to pray to our God for mercy and goodness. Remember that He goes before and after us in every room, every procedure and He sends the angels of Goodness and Mercy on our right and left everywhere we go, all the days of our lives.
You asked for us to share a little about us...I have a wonderful husband named Ola, a little boy named Hezekiah who is 2 yo and I am 7 months pregnant with another boy named Josiah. I look forward to meeting your little girl someday and by the grace of God, I will have that opportunity.

Sandy said...

Hi! We are the Kreiders: Neal, Sandy, Abby (4), Caleb (2) and Nala (dog). My brother is Phil Moses. We have been following along Abbey's journey and keeping you in our prayers. It makes it personal for us having our own Abby and trying to imagine the struggles you are facing. It is so awesome to see your faith in our sovereign God. We'll keep going on the journey with you.

Unknown said...

Hi, sorry I haven't posted until now. I heard about Abbey through my twin sister, Sara, who was roommate's with Alicia (and in her wedding), Jim's sister. My name is Abby, so I already had a connection to your little one and know she is stronger than you can imagine as you've already seen. My husband and I are on staff with Campus Crusade in Orlando working with public high schools...I have a blog too if you want to check it out!

Anonymous said...

It's been a few weeks since I read your blog (simply because I would always end up reading it at work, and it's not very professional to cry at the office!)
I'm Katie Gardiner, I go to New Life Dresher with Jim's parents. I've been reading your blog since we all heard about the diagnosis, and am praying for you every day! Thanks for being so faithful with your updates, it's a blessing to all who read it.
Praying for all of you!
Katie